Illegal mining: HC raps Mohali police

As per available information,a total of 118 FIRs were registered by the Mohali police this year. Of these,in 36 cases,the stock recovered was returned to offenders while in 21 FIRs challan was presented.

Seemingly unhappy with the inaction,the High Court has asked the Punjab Police to come prepared to argue on the next date of hearing as to why the case be not handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mincing no words,the court,after perusing the sealed cover report,observed that it seems that properties have gone back to the offenders (those indulging in illegal mining). On Tuesday,the High Court had directed Punjab to furnish information,within 24 hours,regarding the number of FIRs registered this year on charges of illegal mining in and around Ropar. During the resumed hearing of a petition filed by one Hardip Singh,the High Court had directed the state to make available the said information.

The petitioner,through his counsel Mansur Ali had accused the Punjab government of remaining a silent spectator to the illegal mining going on in and around Ropar.